I seldom post on The Hub (rather read), but after recently having completed my 3rd Sani (my father his 6th), this is something I feel strongly about: Good (as always, too many to put into 5 points, but these my highlights): 1. The new setup at Jolivet - everything about it! Wonderful, in comparison to the rabbit warrens of the past... 2. Umko was in the best condition I have ever ridden it - really stunning (contrary to other people, no significant descent delays experienced by me) 3. Glencairn farm. Although the start at Underberg school was always good, the extra space afforded by the farm, as well as the stunning views, will certainly add an extra element to the event in coming years. This year we didn't see the full benefit, due to the change being a bit last minute, but I think that when things are properly ready next year and we have all moved our accommodation for the first night to the right place, the new start will be awesome. 4. The water points/seconding tables were top class, as always 5. The post ride "gees" was really well done this year. From Max's antics, to the photo montage and video presentation which is seemingly miraculously made in just a few hours, these special few hours in the race villages in the evenings, sharing war stories from the day that has been, really made it for me. Bad: 1. The quality and sizes of the kit this year was really bad. With an event that has a reputation for the best commitment to quality possible, this really let the brand down. I feel that after 11 years of doing this, "it is what it is" simply isn't a good enough excuse anymore. You guys felt the loss of Salomon and Aca Joe in a big way this year... An idea to curb these issues which are experienced every year would be to leave blank (unbranded) items of kit in stores (depending on the sponsors for the year) in the major SA hubs during the year prior to Sani. That way people can try on the kit for the coming year's event and get their size orders right in advance. If you have a sponsor on board, that would also be a great way to push people to their stores and boost their own sales (win-win). 2. Although it didn't impact me directly (fortunately I was in front of them), I have heard a lot of very negative feedback about SuperGroup starting in D batch daily on the Adventure (also refer the Hub forum on this). The fact that many of these riders were real novices, riding in a high up batch, caused chaos on any and all technical areas of the route (especially Umko) 3. This really speaks to the point raised in 2, above. Farmer Glen, you always speak about how you are a farmer first and foremost. Please just guard against your events becoming too commercialized, with some boardroom in Joburg calling the ultimate shots on what currently is the greatest stage race on earth. The SuperGroup debacle is a good example of this. 4. Like many complaints on the forum so far, the MacKenzie Club showers need to be expanded and improved. 5. The finish in Scottburgh. Although I accept that there will always be congestion because of the physical layout of the beach (and personally love finishing at the sea), perhaps a bit more thought could be put into the logistics at the finish to reduce the congestion experienced for the last 3 years. I know this isn't easy, but I believe with enough good planning, it can be done. As always, we will see you next year!
